WithGoGuide

Nori I.

5.00 / 5
(18 reviews)
 

Available Areas

Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)

 

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

 

Response Time

6 hours on average

 

Availability Updated

Today

 
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About Tour Guide Nori I.

I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love.

Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!

Important

For some tours I can not guide everyday due to store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. Thank you!

Tours

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.

FROM$280/ per group

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
4 hours

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.

FROM$175/ per group

Enjoy the authentic castle town and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

Shiga
3 hours 50 min

Oumihachiman was once very flourished town under Hachimanyama castle back in the 16th century. Still you see a beautiful town with traditional style houses as well as the moat used for the castle. The area is also famous for Oumi beef which is one of the 3 best beefs in Japan similar to the famous Kobe beef. We will go up the mountain by the cable car. Will see the beautiful view of Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan together with the rice paddies.

FROM$140/ per group

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

Shiga
7 hours 30 min

First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle. We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan. We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.

FROM$0/ per group

Serene zen gardens and the oldest sweets in Kyoto

Kyoto
2 hours 20 min

First we will go to Daitokuji which is a collection of small zen temples. We will visit three temples there. Each one has its own uniqueness with differently designed stone gardens. We go early in the morning, so you can feel the serenity and authenticity without too much crowd. After that we go to a store which was established in the year 1000. There you will have aburimochi which is known as the origin of all the Japanese sweets. After the break, we will visit Imamiya Shrine.

FROM$56/ per person

Reviews

D

David K.

5 / 5
Sep 5, 2024

“ Spectacular guide!! ”

We are a mid 30s and 40s couple from the USA and UK, and we spent 2 full days with Nori experiencing Kyoto. It could not have been a better decision. We saw and learned so much that we otherwise would have missed, and his guiding is seamless. Definitely highly recommended!

Nori I.

Thank you so much for kind comments. I also had a lot of fun exploring Kyoto with you guys! As for taiyaki today’s was good but the one I mentioned is even better. Please try it! Hope you can come again sometime. Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

S

Shawn Y.

5 / 5
Jul 27, 2024

“ Exceptional Tour Guide Experience with Nori in Kyoto! ”

We had an incredible experience with Nori as our tour guide in Kyoto, Japan! Having worked in the US for many years with a major Japanese corporation, Nori speaks excellent English and was incredibly kind and engaging, especially with our two kids. His passion for traveling and surfing, which has taken him to many places, shines through in his tours. Nori was one of the best tour guides we have encountered in our travels across different countries. He communicated with us well before the tour started, discussing the itinerary and offering helpful suggestions for transportation options. Impressively, he provided multiple itinerary options to accommodate both sunny and rainy days, ensuring we had a fantastic experience no matter the weather. We highly recommend Nori to anyone visiting the Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka areas. His professionalism, friendly demeanor, and thorough planning made our trip unforgettable!

Nori I.

Thanks so much for leaving such a kind and detailed message. I really appreciate it! I am really glad that you all were able to enjoy the tour. Hope you can come again and explore more amazing places in Japan together someday!

I

Igor M.

5 / 5
Jul 25, 2024

“ Wonderful day in Kyoto ”

We had a very Nice day with Nori as guide in Kyoto. A Nice mixture of culture, nature and city life. He was very accomodating to our suggestions. Maria and Igor

Nori I.

Thanks guys! It was a real fun day for me as well!! I hope you will continue to have a safe and exciting trip! Will go to your country someday to try the best chocolate in the world!

J

Jeannie F.

5 / 5
Jul 22, 2024

“ Wonderful Day in Kyoto! ”

We had a wonderful first day exploring Kyoto with Nori! He took us to the sites we wanted to see while providing information and fun on our tour! Nori tailored the tour so we explored everything we wanted to and he provided information on other in Kyoto that we were curious about. Nori arrived on time and is a fabulous tour guide!

Nori I.

Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. It was really hot that day but you two had enough energy and stamina to go around the places we planned. Please come back sometime to see other beautiful places in Kyoto someday!